Almnus reflects on race
Former University basketball player shows support for first black major-party presidential nominee
By Francesca Chambers (Contact)
Originally published 12:41 a.m., August 29th, 2008
Updated 12:00 a.m., September 1st, 2008
DENVER — The Democratic Party aired a tribute video to Martin Luther King Jr., Thursday evening, showing Americans who did not experience segregation the progress the nation had made by choosing Barack Obama as a presidential candidate.
But Isaac “Bud” Stallworth did not need a video to understand the significance of Obama’s selection. Stallworth remembers what it was like to be a second-class citizen.
Stallworth, who played basketball at the University and is now the budget manager of KU’s Design and Construction Management office, was raised in Hartselle, Ala. He was 18-years-old when Martin Luther King Jr. was shot in April 1968. If Stallworth had attended the University of Alabama he would have been its first black basketball player.
Stallworth traveled to Denver this week with the Kansas delegation for the Democratic National Convention. He was not a delegate, but he still wanted to show his support for Obama.
Stallworth played basketball professionally for six years before ending his career in sports.
He was the first-round draft choice the Seattle Supersonics, playing for them from 1972 to 1974. He played for the New Orleans Jazz from 1974 to 1977. He then worked in the restaurant business in California before returning to Lawrence in 1987.
“Back then basketball was an activity, not a career,” he said. “It served its purpose. It gave me the opportunity to live my dream.”
Not only did basketball give Stallworth a chance to live his athletic dream, but his academic one as well. He is one of only three KU basketball players to be selected as both an All-American athlete and Academic All-American.
Stallworth said if Obama accomplished his goals, his grandson, Mikea, would have a future worth looking forward to as well.
“He will have a better life,” Stallworth said. “He will be able to enjoy some of the fruits of his grandfather’s labors and put himself and put his family in the position to be successful.”
Stallworth said Obama shared some of the same qualities as Martin Luther King Jr., particularly his ability to cross racial lines.
King ultimately paid the price for his views, though.
Stallworth said that he was not worried about Obama being assassinated because people are not in control of the earth.
“What Barack wants to do is make a difference ... Your life is just part of the deal,” he said.
But Stallworth said Obama’s race was not the only reason he supported him.
“I think he is the most qualified leader at this time to be president of the United States.”
— Edited by Ramsey Cox
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